In a town known for kitschy family-oriented resorts, the Waldorf stands out as one of the only true luxury hotels in Orlando (with the Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grand Lakes as perhaps its only real competition). The building is new as of 2009, but great pains were taken to make the design posh and classic, if perhaps with a Florida twist. Everything is top notch: The staff is extremely gracious, there's a beautiful 18-hole golf course just steps from the front door (one of the hotel's main draws), and the breakfast buffet at Oscar's is not to be missed -- to name just a few impressive details. Although families abound and the hotel is just minutes from Epcot, you won't find any traces of Mickey or Minnie here, so those seeking more Disney-centric luxury should consider Walt Disney World's Swan and Dolphin hotels.

The Grand Floridian, Disney's crown jewel, is as elegant as it is expensive. Its prime location on the monorail and the Seven Seas Lagoon makes this deluxe resort one of the most conveniently located, but its upscale restaurants, full-service spa, and formal décor appeal more to adults than children.

Modeled after an East African safari lodge, with giraffes and gazelles that freely roam the grounds, the 762-room Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the Disney's most unique resorts. Its massive pool, free children's activities, knowledgeable staff, and excellent gym make it one of Disney's best, but it's farther from Epcot and the Magic Kingdom than other properties.

It's not exactly luxurious -- subpar bedding; constant crowds; long lines -- but the 727-room Wilderness Lodge is still a superb family resort. Lake access, hiking trails, a standout pool and waterslide, free daily kids' activities, a great gym, and elaborate, Western frontier decor (including an explosive geyser) to keep kids enthralled -- all just five minutes from the Magic Kingdom.

Made to look like Atlantic City in the 1940s, the more subdued Boardwalk Villas rests beside a glittering stretch of great restaurants, bars, and carnival games on Crescent Lake, within walking distance of Epcot and Hollywood Studios. In addition to its pools, waterslide, and great gym, all of its large suites have washer-dryers and (in most units) full kitchens.

Part Neverland (totem poles and a Peter Pan kids' club) and part Hawaiian resort (nightly luaus and a Volcano Pool), the crowded, 853-room Polynesian remains one of Disney's most popular Deluxe-category resorts for families, thanks to its especially large rooms that sleep five and ideal location on both the Monorail and the beaches of the Seven Seas Lagoon.

Coronado Springs, a 1,961-room resort near Animal Kingdom, caters to visiting conventioneers (quiet pools, business center, Wi-Fi) and vacationing families (Mayan-temple pool and waterslide). Its rooms are among Disney's best, especially in the "Moderate" category, given that the 2009 renovation brought down comforters and flat-screens. But it's farther from most theme parks than other resorts.

Designed like an old town on the Mississippi Delta, the huge, 2,048-room Riverside is one of Disney's best Moderate-category hotels. Its guest rooms aren't as new as those at Coronado, but its more central location, fun pool complex, large rooms that sleep five, and beautiful (even romantic) setting makes it a great pick for the price.

It might be 1,008 rooms and styled in the spirit of Mardi Gras, but the French Quarter is often quieter and more relaxing than most other moderately priced Disney resorts. Given its central location near Epcot, fun pool complex, and large, guest bedrooms, it's a great deal, but the Riverside (next door) has all this, and more.

A non-Disney time-share resort on the Disney World property with enormous one- and two-bedroom condos, five elaborate pools, free Internet and parking, and a quieter, relaxed atmosphere just five minutes from Epcot makes the WyndhamVR Bonnet Creek Resort a good alternative for those who want a respite from Disney's pervasive theme-driven atmosphere. Service can be middling at this upper-mid-range property and lines can get long, but with several on-site restaurants and activities for little ones, some families have reported skipping a day at Disney in favor of the lazy river and pizza here.